What has Giovanni Pernice been accused of? Rumours explained
GIOVANNI Pernice is best known as one of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.
Here we take a look at the controversy surrounding the star since rumours of bullying have surfaced.
Who is Giovanni Pernice?
Giovanni Pernice is a 33-year old dancer from Sicily.
He came to prominence as one of the professionals on the BBC‘s Strictly Come Dancing.
Giovanni has been involved in a string of high-profile romances with television personalities, actors, fellow dancers and reality TV stars.
As of January 2024, Pernice is single.
He split from fellow pro dancer Jowita Przystal in March 2023.
The pair fell for one another during the 2022 series of Strictly.
Giovanni doesn’t have any children, but has spoken of his desire to have them in the future.
Speaking on Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures In Sicily, he shared that he does want a family one day — but needs to find the right person first.
Speaking to Anton Du Beke he said: “My mum asks me questions constantly, ‘Giovanni what is the situation?’
“Because every time I date a girl I always tell her and say “What do you think about this? What do you think about her?
“She always asks, ‘Is she The One. You know I want a baby before I pass away? Of course, I want a family one day. You just have to find the right person first.'”
What has Giovanni Pernice been accused of?
Actress Amanda Abbingdon allegedly told pals that her tense relationship with Pernice in the latest series of Strictly left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Sun revealed that Amanda, 51, demanded footage of her rehearsals with partner Giovanni, following on from clashes between the pair.
A pal said: “Amanda has been left broken and saddened by the whole experience.
“She has needed therapy and was left in shock by the behaviour she was exposed to.”
In 2020 Pernice’s former dance partner, GMB’s Ranvir Singh, complained to bosses about the star as well, while former Steps singer Faye Tozer is understood to have clashed with him.
Giovanni’s 2016 partner Laura Whitmore also previously claimed that her time with him reduced her to tears.
Sherlock actress Abbington stunned fans when she withdrew from the BBC competition during week six in October 2023.
Before she left the show, The Sun revealed how Amanda and Giovanni were feuding behind the scenes.
Amanda further fuelled rumours by sharing a cryptic post about bad behaviour on her Instagram account.
The star reposted a quote which read: “Shoutout to people whose kindness isn’t a strategy but a way of life.”
Amanda also snubbed Giovanni when she broke her silence following her departure.
She told fans: “It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue.
“It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.
“I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them.
I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further.
“Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. Xxx”
Amanda is understood to be taking legal advice and is keen to review behind-the-scenes footage from the show.
What has Giovanni Pernice said about the accusations?
At the time of writing, Pernice is yet to speak about the accusations made against him by Amanda directly.
Giovanni appeared to ignore the claims as he posted pictures of himself with his dance students.
He said: “250 people. This is how we spend our Sunday. Love you all.”
Pernice has also alluded to staying positive after the criticism he’s facing.
Giovanni made the apparent swipe at Amanda alongside an image of him locked in an embrace with a brunette model, where the pair looked to be about to kiss.
He wrote in the caption: “My aim in launching VITA was to create products to inspire and bring joy to life, and to explore another creative outlet for my passions.
“My fragrance VITA (Italian for life) is just that, a celebration of life. Of positivity when there is obviously so much around us which can be a cause for the opposite.
“We are starting this journey with high hopes and ambitions, and with many more products in the pipeline.”
He signed off the post by quipping: “I hope you enjoy VITA as much as I loved creating it, as this image from our launch photoshoot shows!”